Client Leader, Justice + Civic

Our Texas region has an opening for a Client Leader for our Justice + Civic sector. This role could be based in the following cities: 

• Austin
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Houston 

About Justice + Civic at DLR Group 

As a nationally recognized expert in Justice+Civic facility planning and design, DLR Group serves municipal, county, state, and federal public-sector clients to deliver civic, public safety, and justice design solutions that achieve excellence in operations, sustainable design, resilience planning, space planning, building assessment, cost of ownership analysis, and project management. As stewards of the built environment, DLR Group’s Justice+Civic practice elevates behavioral, environmental, and social betterment, resulting in healing, equity, and transformation for the individual and community. 

Position Summary  

As a Client Leader, you will play a key role in business development, managing client relationships and leading contract negotiations. You will educate clients on our design process while collaborating with the project manager to ensure the financial success of each project. Throughout the project lifecycle, you will maintain consistent client contact, foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and ensure that both client and DLR Group goals are met.  

If you are a collaborative thought leader with a strategic mindset this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.  

What you will do: 

• Manage project execution, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and scope while maintaining client expectations
• Collaborate with the Project Manager on staffing, responsibilities, and performance feedback for project team members
• Track project milestones and deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality standards and preparing regular status reports 
• Facilitate and document meetings with staff and clients, coordinating project personnel, vendors, and consultants 
• Participate in client contract negotiations, manage change requests, and approve project plan modifications 
• Support business development initiatives by contributing to RFP responses and participating in client interviews 
• Oversee project invoicing, ensuring accuracy and alignment with work deliverables, and manage account receivables 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related construction field (Professional licensure preferred) 
• At least 10 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role 
• Proven experience leading large-scale architectural projects 
• Experience with state and local jurisdictions 
• Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership 
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and customer satisfaction 
• Expertise in design techniques and tools for producing technical plans, drawings, and models 
• Familiarity with building methods, materials, and systems for construction and renovation projects 
• Strong critical thinking, time management, and communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Ability to actively listen, understand others' perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations

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